Marathon County

As the holidays approaches, cooking the traditional turkey dinner gives rise to anxieties and questions. What kind of turkey should I buy? Should I buy a frozen turkey or a fresh one? How do I store my turkey? A few simple steps will not only ease your holiday fears, but will ensure a delicious and [...]

Venison is a nutritious game meat that you can enjoy as roasts, steaks, and ground venison; or use as an ingredient in sausages. “How you handle venison just after the kill can have a tremendous impact on the safety and quality of the final product,” says Jeff Sindelar, University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension Meat Specialist. “Proper care [...]

Nationwide Recall of Cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado It may not be as well-known as Salmonella or E. coli, but Listeria bacteria can still cause an extremely dangerous form of foodborne illness, said Carla Haley, Miller County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “Before last month, you may never have [...]

Meat, wild game, poultry and fish are all low-acid foods. Canning of low-acid foods requires special care to destroy the spores of Clostridium botulinum, Otherwise, those spores can germinate after processing and during storage, producing a deadly toxin. To download more Food Safety PowerPoint slide-shows, visit the University of Wisconsin’s Food Safety & Health website >>>

There are four general types of pickling: Fresh Pack/Quick Process – covered with boiling vinegar, spices and seasonings. Sometimes may be brined and drained beforehand. Easy to prepare, tart flavor. Have a better flavor if allowed to stand for several weeks after they are sealed in jars. Fermented – requires more time and effort than [...]

Tomatoes are without a doubt the most widely home-canned product in the U.S. However, to avoid spoilage and the risk of food poisoning, home canning must be done properly. Includes salsa preparation. To download more Food Safety PowerPoint slide-shows, visit the University of Wisconsin’s Food Safety & Health website >>>

Home Food Preservation There are 3 main methods of food preservation: canning, freezing and drying. The method you choose will depend on whether there are safe guidelines for preserving your food using that method; and which method best suits your needs. For instance, you may want to can a new salsa recipe, but if there [...]

This is the season for canning fruits and vegetables. Dial gauges should be tested every year to make sure they are accurate and at the right pound of pressure. The Marathon County UW-Extension office, 212 River Drive, Wausau will test dial gauges at no charge anytime of the year. To make an appointment, call 715-261-1231 to [...]